262 On Salt Marsh. 



Marshes on sounds and inlets of the coast, are often ex- 

 posed to that uncertain rise of the sea, and are situated so 

 near it as to receive many of its attacks, while they are 

 out of the reach of floating mud, which is deposited in 

 quiet places, nearer the sources of the rivers. Our go- 

 vernment would not undertake to improve those mud- 

 less flats, excepting for military purposes, while the 

 western country remains untenanted ; nor could the work 

 be effected on a grand scale, while labour continues so high 

 as it is at present. It is true, that Holland owes her ex- 

 istence and chief revenue to such works, but equally so, 

 that she preserves them only by the most expensive vi- 

 gilance. The first cost of machinery, and incidental ex- 

 penses, would, and ought to be sufficient to discourage 

 our government: individuals would inevitably fail in 

 such extensive enterprizes. Whenever, therefore, a pro- 

 ject of improvement is entertained by individuals, the 

 chief inquiries should be : — 



1st. Is there sufficient elevation of the marsh, allow- 

 ing for its sinking, to drain it into the creek, river, or bay, 

 to which it lies adjacent? and in estimating the probable 

 diminution in the height of the marsh, the nature of the 

 different strata of turf, grass or roots mixed with mud, 

 ; nd of the mud itself, must be considered. A spirit-level 

 should be used to ascertain whether the back part of the 

 marsh be high enough, as the highest marsh is always 

 next to the river: without particular attention to this 

 phenomenon, we might be greatly deceived. 



2d. If the mud be not sufficiently tenacious near the 

 site of the intended bank, where is the solid mud to be 

 obtained, and what will be the cost of carrying it in 

 wheelbarrows or on handbarrows? It must be understood 



